Firstly, there are different types of mentors and different reasons you might want to have more than one mentor on your support team. Check out this information on our blog page before you go on the hunt for the right one, consider why you need a mentor or two  

Traditionally a mentor is someone who has been there before you – has some relevant experience that is of value to you and is offering their time for free. However, other mentoring relationships can offer and attract a different set of resources that are worth considering. 

You can have many different reasons to want a mentor. They are not all directly related to entrepreneurship. Here are some examples of types of mentoring relationships:

Get Clear – identify what you are looking for – where are the gaps and what is missing.

Identify Potential Candidates – Make a list of who might be the right person – someone with the experience, connections, and answers to the challenges.

Reach Out  – Once you have made a connection between what you are seeking and who might fit the bill – reach out to everyone. You would be surprised at how many people are willing to help you find the right person. It’s our human nature. So don’t be shy. Spread the word of what you are seeking.

Keep Values In Mind – The ideal candidate for a mentoring relationship that is more than a one-time event should have similar values and purpose in life and business. This will ensure that you are like-minded in how you view the world.

Don’t dismiss your Peers and Competitors – they can be your best resource. Your peers and competitors can provide some of the best support, current information, and relatable experiences. There is value in seeking someone who is in it – right now – just like you. It may be someone in a non-competing marketplace or someone who is clearly a veteran or newbie – and not directly in competition with you. All of these mentoring relationships are valuable. 

How do you search for a mentor?

Start by thinking about the areas that are most important to your immediate growth and identify what type of support you are looking for. Zoom in on what is missing and what style of support will work for you the best – Is it a one-time meeting or a long-term relationship you are seeking? 

One of the first things I do when I am working with my clients, whether that is in Career Reinvention or Business Coaching is that we identify – what we don’t know. What are the things that are missing, the gaps in our knowledge, the gaps in expertise? Then we look at who might be able to fill those gaps with connections, answers, and industry expertise. These gaps might be filled with a consultant or advisor. So offering to pay someone who might have valuable insight for you – could be well worth the money and save you time and resources in the end.